The influence of climate is different in each part of the globe. This can be attributed to extreme rainfall in some places and not even a drop of rain in some places. In that way, thousands of wild animals are being relocated inland in the country of Zimbabwe in the African continent due to severe drought.
In the last 2012 Hollywood movie ‘Life of Pi’, wild animals are deported on a ship. Although it is not the same, it is almost the same condition. Rewind the scene once in your mind’s eye. What, in that movie the animals are transported out of selfishness. This work is done for the welfare of animals in Zimbabwe.
Thousands of wild animals: There is a huge migration of 400 elephants, 2000 deer, 70 giraffes, 50 buffaloes, 50 buffaloes, 50 zebras, 50 eland (South African deer), 10 lions and 10 wild dogs. These animals are confined in metal cages and transported by land and air. It seems that vehicles like helicopter, truck and crane are being used for this work.
This work is being done by anesthetizing some animals. It is said to be the largest-ever animal migration effort in southern Africa. It is known as ‘Project Rewild Zambezi’.
From South to North! – This migration is going on from the southern part of the country towards the northern part. The animals are being moved from the Save Valley region in the southern part of Zimbabwe to Sabi, Matusatonha and Cesarira in the north. The reason for this is said to be severe drought. Wildlife poaching is also a threat in African countries.
Biggest in 60 years! – Animal welfare activists say it is the largest in the last 60 years. During the period of 1958-62 when the country was under minority rule, 5000 animals were relocated alive due to rising water levels. But this time due to severe drought in the country this work is being done.
“We have been stopping poaching for years. Almost succeeding in it, we have undertaken this work because of the threat posed to animals by climate change. There is an increase in the number of animals in the forest. At the same time, due to drought, they are moving to human inhabited areas in search of alternative sources of food and water. This is a risk for both sides.
The only solution is to kill the animals. But there is opposition from animal welfare activists. On the other hand, as recently as 1987, such animal extermination works have taken place. This time it didn’t happen. “The animals are moving towards spring,” said Dinashi Farao, a spokesperson for the country’s Wildlife Management Authority.
The impact of climate change is not limited to Zimbabwe but across Africa. It is also reported that due to this, the amount of food required for animals like lion, elephant, bison, rhinoceros, giraffe and deer is decreasing. This is based on research.
The work is supported by the Great Plains Foundation, a volunteer organization. Most of the animals are taken to a wildlife sanctuary located near the Chambesi River. This privately run archive has an area of 2.8 lakhs. It is located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe.